Energy consultancy Utilitywise says a “high calibre external candidate” has been identified to replace company founder Geoff Thompson, who will move into the role of executive chairman.

The announcement came as the company reported strong results for the six months ended January 31, with revenue increasing 36% year-on-year to £41.6m.

2. A North East firms has been singled out for championing responsible business.

Durham-based Lanchester Group has been shortlisted in the 2016 Responsible Business Awards – an annual event which shines a light on firms making a difference by taking action to improve their local communities, create more inclusive workplaces and tackle environmental challenges.

3. A North East drone company is to showcase pioneering mine detection technology at a special event at the House of Commons attended by the Prime Minister.

Drone Ops, which employs five people at sites in Newcastle and Amble, has created a drone that carries a so-called Ground Penetration Radar (GPR), meaning the presence of mines can be confirmed without putting people at risk.

Tomorrow the business will demonstrate the product on Speaker’s Green, when politicians, academics and humanitarian de-mining groups meet to highlight the humanitarian impact of explosive weapons and the UK’s role in mitigating it. Around four people a day die as a result of land mines and, throughout the world, hundreds of thousands remain unlocated.

4. Budweiser brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev has agreed a 2.55bn euro deal to sell European lager brands Peroni and Grolsch as it moves a step closer to sealing its takeover of SABMiller.

Japanese brewer Asahi - known for its Super Dry beer - will buy Peroni and Grolsch in the UK and Europe, as well as London’s Meantime brewery, which are being put up for sale by AB InBev to help ease regulatory concerns over its £71bn takeover of SABMiller.

Asahi first tabled its offer in February and the pair have since been in exclusive talks.

The deal is dependent on the completion of the SABMiller takeover, which is set to go through in the second half of the year.

5. Primark owner Associated British Foods has announced half-year pre-tax profits up 4% to £466m.

The company said like-for-like sales at Primark compared to the same period last year were broadly flat, with warm weather across Europe hitting its performance. Profits at the budget fashion retailer were down 3% to £313m although sales rose 5% to £2.6bn.

It added that trading at its two US Primark stores has been “encouraging” and it plans to opens six more outlets in the country this year.